Washington, D.C., April 23, 2003 - The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) will welcome a new addition to its executive staff on April 28 when Elisa Siegel joins the association as senior vice president of the Office of Communications. Ms Siegel, currently senior vice president at Goddard Claussen Porter Novelli, a public relations agency based in Washington, D.C., brings more than 20 years of public affairs communications experience to her new position.

During her career, Ms. Siegel has focused on health and environmental issues, developing advocacy and positioning campaigns, crisis communications, media relations, executive speech writing and grassroots lobbying. She joined Goddard Claussen Porter Novelli (GCPN) in 1995 as part of the "Harry and Louise" advertising campaign team, in which she was responsible for direct mail communications and grassroots outreach with the national citizens coalition built by this campaign. The AAMC retained GCPN, beginning in 1997, to help raise public awareness and understanding of medical schools and teaching hospitals and the important role they play in the nation's health care. Ms. Siegel worked with the AAMC to develop and implement a national strategic communications campaign called "Tomorrow's Doctors, Tomorrow's Cures." In addition to her work with the AAMC, Ms. Siegel directed accounts for a number of other clients, including CuresNow (a chronic illnesses alliance), Nabi Biopharmaceuticals, Care USA, and the International Employee Stock Options Coalition.

A magna cum laude graduate of Duke University, Ms. Siegel began her career in the White House Press Office. Her public affairs experience also includes seven years as government affairs manager at the Diamond Shamrock Corporation, and six years as the director of public affairs for the American Insurance Association.

"Elisa brings with her a thorough knowledge of health policy, a depth of experience in public affairs and public relations, and is already well-acquainted with the association's issues," said AAMC President Jordan J. Cohen, M.D. "This winning combination will enable her to hit the ground running and provide excellent leadership for our Office of Communications."

Elisa Siegel replaces Susan Neely, who left the AAMC to join the Department of Homeland Security.

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The Association of American Medical Colleges is a not-for-profit association representing all 130 accredited U.S. and 17 accredited Canadian medical schools; nearly 400 major teaching hospitals and health systems, including 68 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and nearly 90 academic and scientific societies. Through these institutions and organizations, the AAMC represents 125,000 faculty members, 70,000 medical students, and 104,000 resident physicians. Additional information about the AAMC and U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals is available at www.aamc.org/newsroom.

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